Extensible Dressings

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to dressings such as bandages or tapes improved extensibility. The present invention further relates to dressings such as bandages or tapes which are extensible so as to at least partially conform to a body contour at wound surface upon stretching of the dressing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date ofU.S. provisional patent application 62/565,631 filed Sep. 29, 2017, theentirety of which application is hereby incorporated by reference hereinas if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dressings such as bandages or tapesimproved extensibility. The present invention further relates todressings such as bandages or tapes which are extensible so as to atleast partially conform to a body contour at wound surface uponstretching of the dressing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dressings such as bandages and tapes for applying to and/or covering theskin have been known for some time. Such dressings have gained wideacceptance for closing minor wounds, protecting minor wounds and/orcovering abrasions. In some instances, microporous or breathable,bandages or tapes have been developed and are used either to cover minorwounds (including wounds that have been partially healed).

While such dressings have been greatly improved over the years in that,for example, they have incorporated microporous materials allowing thewound to breath and permitting water vapor to escape from the wound,hence, reducing chances of wound maceration, there remains a need fordressings which improves extensibility and which, optionally, to yieldto at least partially conform to the contour of the body of the user inresponse to a movement of the skin surface at a site of a wound.Accordingly, in order for a dressing to provide the aforementionedattributes, the dressing comprises a wound dressing assembly providingimproved extensibility, comprising a layer of resilient material and abacking layer attached to the layer of resilient material by discreteadhesive regions disposed on a surface of the layer of resilientmaterial at discrete areas thereof.

It is, therefore, an aspect of the present invention to providedressings that may be used to cover, protect wounds and facilitate woundhealing. It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide awound dressing assembly comprising a layer of resilient material and abacking layer both having improved elongation. It is also an aspect ofthe present invention to provide a wound dressing assembly comprising alayer of resilient material and a backing layer, wherein the layer ofresilient material is longitudinally extendable x upon stretching of anybacking layer attached thereto. It is a further aspect of the presentinvention to provide a wound dressing assembly comprising a layer ofresilient material and a backing layer attached to the layer ofresilient material by discrete adhesive regions disposed on a surface ofthe layer of resilient material at discrete areas thereof. Other aspectsof the present invention will be readily apparent from the ensuingdescription and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dressing comprising a layer ofresilient material, the layer of resilient material having a lengthdirection (LD) and a width direction (WD), which together define ahorizontal plane (HP), the horizontal plane HP having a first surfaceand a second opposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC) and atransverse centerline (TC),

the layer of resilient material further including one or more pleatsformed in at least a portion thereof, each pleat comprising two or morefolds, at least one of which folds each pleat shares in common with aneighboring pleat when there are two or more pleats, each pleat furtherhas a length extending in a direction taken along the pleat length, apleat width, and a lengthwise centerline (PC) bisecting the pleat width,

each pleat includes two or more folds incorporated so as to form an openend and a closed end, with a pair of side walls of the pleat, each sidewall extending between a fold contributing to formation of the open endand the closed end, wherein one or more pleats has a pair of adjacentclosed ends, spaced apart by a substantially fold-free segment of thelayer of resilient material, and

wherein the direction of each pleat length independently makes an angleφ with the longitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP, andwherein the angle φ has a value that falls within a range specified bythe equation: 0°<φ<180°.

The present invention also relates to a dressing comprising a layer ofresilient material, the layer of resilient material having a lengthdirection (LD) and a width direction (WD), which together define ahorizontal plane (HP), the horizontal plane HP having a first surfaceand a second opposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC) and atransverse centerline (TC), the layer of resilient material furtherincluding one or more pleats formed in at least a portion thereof, eachpleat comprising two or more folds, at least one of which folds eachpleat shares in common with a neighboring pleat when there are two ormore pleats, each pleat further has a length extending in a directiontaken along the pleat length, a pleat width, and a lengthwise centerline(PC) bisecting the pleat width, wherein the direction of each pleatlength independently makes an angle φ with the longitudinal centerlineLC in the horizontal plane HP, and wherein the angle φ has a value thatfalls within a range specified by the equation: 0°<φ<180°.

The present invention further relates to a dressing comprising a layerof resilient material, the layer of resilient material having:

(a) a length direction (LD) and a width direction (WD), which togetherdefine a horizontal plane (HP), the horizontal plane HP having a firstsurface and a second opposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC) anda transverse centerline (TC);

(b) one or more pleats formed in at least a portion of the layer ofresilient material, each pleat comprising two or more folds, at leastone of which folds each pleat shares in common with a neighboring pleat,each pleat further has a pleat length extending in a pleat direction, apleat width, and a lengthwise centerline (PC) bisecting the pleat width,wherein each pleat direction of a pleat length independently makes anangle φ with the longitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP,and wherein the angle φ has a value that falls within a range specifiedby the equation: 0°<φ<180°;

(c) a plurality of discrete adhesive regions disposed on the secondsurface of the layer of resilient material at discrete areas of thelayer of resilient material; and

(d) an additional layer of material having a first surface and a secondopposed surface, the first surface of the additional layer of materialadhered to the second surface of the layer of resilient material by theplurality of discrete adhesive regions.

The present invention still further relates to a dressing comprising alayer of resilient material, the layer of resilient material having:

(i) a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, whichtogether define a width (W) of the layer of resilient material;

(ii) a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge, whichtogether define a length (L) of the layer of resilient material, thelength L and width W of the layer of resilient material 12 having alength direction (LD) and a width direction (WD) respectively, thelength direction LD and the width direction WD together defining ahorizontal plane (HP), the horizontal plane HP having a first surfaceand a second opposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC), and atransverse centerline (TC); and

(iii) a plurality of pleats formed in at least a portion of the layer ofresilient material, each pleat comprising a multiplicity of folds, eachfold extending from the first longitudinal edge to the secondlongitudinal edge, each pleat having a closed end (or an apex) 36defined by a fold, an open end spaced from and opposite the closed end(or apex), and a trailing side wall and an opposing leading side wallsharing a common transverse edge running along the fold of the closedend (the apex) of the pleat, each of the trailing and leading side wallsof the pleat further has a second transverse edge spaced from andopposite the common transverse edge and disposed on opposite sides ofthe open end of the pleat,

wherein at least two (adjacent) neighboring pleats are arranged in aspaced relation to each other with a substantially fold-free segment ofthe layer of resilient material spanning the distance from the secondtransverse edge of the leading side wall of one of the pleats to thesecond transverse edge of the trailing sidewall of the neighboringpleat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of this invention will now be described in greater detail,by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a dressing in according with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the coordinate system, includingaxes LD, WD, TD in relation to the horizontal plane HP of a layer ofresilient material in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2A shows a top perspective view of a dressing including a layer ofresilient material having a plurality of pleats formed therein and anadditional layer of material adhered to the layer of resilient material;

FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of the dressing of FIG. 2A furtherincluding a release liner disposed on the face of the layer of resilientmaterial opposite to the face on which is disposed the additional layerof material;

FIG. 2C shows an exploded view of the dressing of FIG. 2B furtherincluding discrete adhesive regions disposed proximate to each of thetransverse edges of the layer of resilient material;

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the layerof resilient material in accordance with the present invention, showinga coordinate system located on a pleat on the layer of resilientmaterial to illustrate angles φ and β;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the layer ofresilient material of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of thelayer of resilient material in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of thelayer of resilient material in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the layer ofresilient material in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe layer of resilient material in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe layer of resilient material including different types of pleatsformed therein;

FIG. 8A shows a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment ofthe layer of resilient material including pleats with rounded folds;

FIG. 8B shows a top perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of thelayer of resilient material in FIG. 8A including discrete adhesiveregions disposed proximate to each of the transverse edges of the layerof resilient material; and

FIG. 8C shows a top perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of thelayer of resilient material in FIG. 8A, further including a pluralitydiscrete adhesive regions located on each of the pleats of the layer ofresilient material.

FIG. 9A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thelayer of resilient material having pleats in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment in accordance withFIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thedressing in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the dressingillustrated in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of adressing in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11B shows a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the dressingillustrated in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a dressing inaccordance with the present invention adhered to a skin surface at ornear an extended elbow joint;

FIG. 12B shows a magnified side view of the exemplary embodiment of thedressing and extended elbow joint of FIG. 12A

FIG. 12C shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the dressingand elbow joint of FIG. 12A with the elbow joint in a flexedconfiguration; and

FIG. 12D shows a magnified side view of the exemplary embodiment of thedressing and flexed elbow joint of FIG. 12C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The dressing of the present invention can comprise, consist of, orconsist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of theinvention described herein, as well any of the additional or optionalfeatures, components, or limitations described herein.

The term “comprising” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein isused in the inclusive sense of (and, interchangeably with the terms)“having” or “including” and not in the exclusive sense of “consistingonly of” The terms “a” and “the” as used herein are understood toencompass the plural as well as the singular.

As used herein, terms “skin” and “tissue” are interchangeable and referto mammalian skin.

All documents incorporated herein by reference, by portion or in theirentirety, are only incorporated herein to the extent that they are notinconsistent with this specification.

In certain embodiments, the present invention as disclosed herein may bepracticed in the absence of any component, element (or group ofcomponents or elements) or method step which is not specificallydisclosed herein.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numeralsindicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-8C, adressing, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Pleated Layer of Resilient Material

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a dressing 10 in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention comprises a layer of resilientmaterial 12 having a first surface 14 and second surface 16, opposingthe first surface 14, the surfaces 14, 16 extending in a lengthdirection (LD) and a width direction (WD) (see FIGS. 1A-2C), whichdirections define a horizontal plane (HP). FIG. 1B shows how the lengthdirection (LD) and the width direction (WD) of the surface of the layerof resilient material 12 together define the horizontal plane (HP). Thefirst surface 14 and the second opposed surface 16 of the layer ofresilient material 12 include the same longitudinal centerline (LC)extending in the length direction (LD) and a transverse centerline (TC)extending in the width direction (WD) as shown with respect to dressing10 in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In certain embodiments, the layer of resilient material 12 is formedfrom any suitable nonwoven fabrics, including, but not limited to,spunlace, spunbond, thermo bond, wetlaid nonwoven fabrics. Spunlacenonwovens are typically made using a mechanical bonding process(spun-lacing method) which employs jets of water to entangle fibers,deposition of the entangled fibers onto a collecting belt in a uniformrandom manner, followed by bonding of the entangled fibers. and therebyprovide fabric integrity. Any suitable synthetic fibers can be used toproduce spunlace nonwoven fabrics, including polypropylene,polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and the like.

Thermal bonded nonwovens are fabrics produced by using heat to meltthermoplastic powders or fibers, including polyester, polypropylene, andpolyethylene terephthalate fibers. Typically, the thermal bondingprocess begins by taking a thermoplastic fiber or a blend ofthermoplastic fibers and forming them into a fiber batt, usingair-laying machines, for example. The resulting fibrous webs are thenheated using various thermal bonding methods, including through-airbonding and ultrasonic energy bonding.

Wetlaid nonwovens are typically produced in a process similar to papermaking in which a nonwoven web is produced by filtering an aqueoussuspension of fiber onto a screen conveyor belt or perforated drum. Manywet laid nonwovens are made with wood pulp or other natural fibersblended with synthetic fibers.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, and 3A an exemplary embodiment of the layerof resilient material 12 comprises a plurality of pleats 18, each pleatcomprising folds 20 such that when two or more contiguous pleats 18 areformed in the layer of resilient material 12 each pleat 18 shares two ormore of which folds 20 in common with a neighboring pleat 18. A numberof different types of pleats 18 are known in the art. Examples ofpleated structures useful in the current invention include, but are notlimited to, those shown in FIGS. 2A-7, 9A, and 9B.

Pleats may be incorporated into the layer of resilient material 12 byany suitable methods known in the art, including by a mechanicalfolding, for example.

FIG. 6A, for example, shows a layer of resilient material 12 having oneor more pleats 18, each of which pleats 18 having two or more folds 20,which can be rounded folds as shown in FIG. 6A or creased folds 20 asshown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, each pleat 18includes rounded folds 20, at least one of which rounded folds 20 isshared in common between two neighboring pleats 18. Each pleat 18 of thelayer of resilient material 12 in FIG. 6A includes a pleat length 22,the pleat length 22 extending in a pleat direction 24. Each pleatdirection 24 of a pleat length 22 independently makes an angle φ withthe longitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP of the layerof resilient material 12. In FIG. 6A, pleat direction 24 of a pleatlength 22 is shown as making an angle φ, with the longitudinalcenterline LC (not shown), wherein φ is about 90°. However, the angle φcan have a range of values specified by the equation: 0°<φ<180°,optionally from 30°<φ<150°, or optionally from 40°<φ<140°. As such, FIG.6B illustrates a top view of an exemplary layer of resilient material 12having two or more pleats 18, each having a pleat length 22 extending ina pleat direction 24, the pleat direction 24 making an angle φ with thelongitudinal centerline LC of the layer of resilient material 12,wherein, angle φ has a non-zero value less than 90°, for example, about60°, about 45°, or about 30°.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a layer of material 12has one or more pleats 18, each of which pleats 18 including two or morefolds 20. Unlike the pleats of the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the pleats ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B have creased (e.g., sharp or angled)folds 20, each “crease” of the creased fold 20 defining a crown 36. Inone embodiment, each pleat 18 includes creased folds 20, at least one ofwhich creased folds 20 is shared in common between two neighboringpleats 18. Each pleat 18 of the layer of resilient material 12 in FIG.3A includes a pleat length 22, and extends in a pleat direction 24. Eachpleat direction 24 of a pleat length 22 independently makes an angle φwith the longitudinal centerline LC (not shown) in the horizontal planeHP of the layer of resilient material 12. In FIG. 3A, pleat direction 24of a pleat length 22 is shown as making an angle φ, wherein angle φ isabout 90°, with the longitudinal centerline LC of the layer of resilientmaterial 12. However, the angle φ can have a range of values specifiedby the equation: 0°<φ<180°, optionally from 30°<φ<150°, or optionallyfrom 40°<φ<140°. In one embodiment, each pleat 18, in FIG. 3A, includesone creased fold defining a crown 36 of the pleat 18, one or two creasedfolds 20, each of which define a root (i.e., the fold 20 [creased ornon-creased] furthest away from the skin surface of a user and,accordingly, as the case may be, closest to the additional layer ofmaterial 28) of the pleat 18, and a pair of legs (or side walls) L58 andT58 defining pleat 18 sidewalls, the pair of legs (or side walls) L58and T58 of each pleat 18 being joined to one another at the crown 36 ofthe pleat 18, i.e. share a common fold 20 at the crown 36 of the pleat18. In one embodiment, each of the side walls L58 and T58 of a pleat 18shares a common fold 20 with a side wall L58 or a side wall T58 of aneighboring pleat 18 (i.e. at the root of the neighboring pleat 18). Inone embodiment, each pleat 18, includes one or two creased folds 20,each of which define a root of the pleat 18, and a pair of legs (or sidewalls) L58 and T58 defining pleat 18 sidewalls, wherein the leadingpleat leg (or side wall) L58 has a length lb and the trailing pleat 18leg (or side wall) T58 has a length la. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the leading pleat leg (or side wall) L58 of any pleat18 has a length lb and the trailing pleat leg (or side wall) T58 of thesame pleat 18 has a length la, wherein the length lb and the length laare substantially equal. The leading pleat 18 leg (or side wall) L58 ofany pleat 18 can be longer than, shorter than, or the same length as thetrailing pleat 18 leg (or side wall) T58 of the same pleat 18. As such,in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the layer of resilient material12 includes pleats 18, each pleat 18 including a trailing pleat leg (orside wall) T58 and a leading pleat leg (side wall) L58, wherein thetrailing pleat leg (or side wall) T58 is longer than the leading pleatleg (or side wall) L58, i.e., la>lb.

In one embodiment, a dressing 10 of the present invention includes alayer of resilient material 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B,including one or more pleats 18, each of which pleats 18 includes thetwo or more folds 20 incorporated to form an open end 34 (i.e., as inthe “open” portion of a “V” or “L”) and a closed end 36 (i.e., as in theangled corner opposite the “open” portion of such “V” or “L”), with apair of side walls (i.e., leading side wall L58 and trailing side wallT58) of the pleat 18, each side wall extending between a fold 20contributing to formation of an open end 34 and the closed end 36. Inone embodiment of the pleats 18 of the layer of resilient material 12the leading side wall L58 and trailing side wall T58 of a pleat 18 sharea common transverse edge 70A at the closed end 36 of the pleat 18.

In one embodiment of the layer of resilient material 12, such as inFIGS. 5A and 5B, each of the leading side wall L58 and trailing sidewall T58 of a pleat 18 has a transverse edge (or pleat line) 70A at adifferent closed end 36 of the pleat 18.

In one embodiment of the layer of resilient material 12, any pleat 18 isresiliently structurally biased (or, has a mechanical tendency forpositioning) toward substantially overlying a leading side wall L58 (ora trailing sidewall T58) of an adjacent pleat 18 or it is structurallybiased toward overlaying an adjacent segment 72 of the layer ofresilient material 12 interposed between the pleat 18 and a neighboringpleat 18.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the layer of resilientmaterial 12, one or more of the pleats 18 has open end 34 and a closedend 36 and a pair of side walls (i.e., leading side wall L58 andtrailing side wall T58), each side wall extending between a fold 20contributing to formation of the open end 34 and the closed end 36, theone or more pleats 18 being resiliently structurally biased axially (or,has a mechanical tendency for maintaining positioning) at an angle βwith the horizontal plane HP of the layer of resilient material 12. Inone embodiment of the layer of resilient material 12, one or more of thepleats 18 has an open end 34 and a closed end 36 and a pair of sidewalls (i.e., leading side wall L58 and trailing side wall T58), eachside wall extending between a fold 20 contributing to formation of theopen end 34 and the closed end 36, the one or more pleats 18 beingresiliently biased axially at an angle β with the horizontal plane HP ofthe layer of resilient material 12, wherein the angle β, can have anyvalue that falls within a range specified by the equation: 0°≤β≤180°,optionally, 0°≤β≤5° (or, 175°≤β≤180°. As such, in one embodiment of thelayer of resilient material 12, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a pleat 18 hasan open end 34 and a closed end 36 and a pair of side walls (i.e.,leading side wall L58 and trailing side wall T58), each side wallextending between a fold 20 contributing to formation of the open end 34and the closed end 36, wherein the pleat 18 is resiliently biasedaxially at an acute angle β with the horizontal plane HP of the layer ofresilient material 12.

In another embodiment of the dressing 10 in accordance with the presentinvention, the dressing 10 includes a layer of resilient material 12, asillustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, which includes one or more pleats 18,each of which has folds 20 are arranged such that each pleat 18 has apair of adjacent (i.e., near, or next to, each other without necessarilytouching) closed ends 36, substantially laterally spaced apart by asubstantially fold-free segment 38 of the layer of resilient material12. As used herein, the term “substantially fold free” further means“fold-free” or “without any folds whatsoever”. In one embodiment, thelayer of resilient material 12 includes one or more pleats 18, each ofwhich has folds 20 are arranged such that each pleat 18 has a pair ofadjacent closed ends 36, substantially laterally spaced apart by asubstantially fold-free segment 38 of the layer of resilient material12, wherein each of the substantially fold-free segments 38 has an innersurface 40 and an opposed outer surface 42, and wherein the innersurface 40 of a substantially fold-free segment 38 of any pleat 18 facesin a direction opposite to the direction of an inner surface 40 of asubstantially fold-free segment 38 of an adjacent pleat 18. Asillustrated in FIG. 5A, each pleat 18 has a pleat length 22 extending inpleat direction 24, and a lengthwise centerline of PC bisecting thesubstantially fold-free segment 38. Each pleat direction 24 of a pleatlength 22 independently makes an angle φ with the longitudinalcenterline LC (not shown) in the horizontal plane HP of the layer ofresilient material 12. In FIG. 5A, pleat direction 24 of a pleat length22 is shown as making an angle φ, wherein angle φ is about 90°, with thelongitudinal center line LC of the layer of resilient material 12.However, pleat lengths 22 of pleats 18 can be oriented to make any angleφ with the longitudinal center line LC such that the angle φ can haveany value in the range of values specified by the equation: 0°<φ<180°,optionally 30°<φ<150°, or optionally from 40°<φ<140°.

In one embodiment, a dressing 10 of the present invention includes alayer of material 12, as shown in FIG. 7, which has one or more pleats18 of different types of pleats 18. As shown in FIG. 7, the layer ofresilient material 12 includes at least one pleat 18 including folds 20arranged such that the at least one pleat 18 includes a pair of adjacentclosed ends 36, substantially laterally spaced apart by a substantiallyfold-free segment 38 of the layer of resilient material 12. In one suchembodiment, each of the remaining pleats 18 to each side of the at leastone pleat 18 with the pair of adjacent closed ends 36, has folds 20arranged such that each pleat 18 only has one closed end 36.

In one embodiment, a dressing 10 of the present invention includes alayer of resilient material 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, whichincludes one or more pleats 18, each of which pleats 18 includes the twoor more folds 20 arranged such that includes one creased fold defining acrown 36 of the pleat 18 (reference numeral 36), opposing one or twocreased folds 20, each of which defines a root of the pleat 18, and apair of legs L58 and T58 (i.e., leading side wall L58 and trailing sidewall T58) each of which extends between a crown 36 and a root (anopposing fold) of the pleat 18 and wherein the pair of legs L58 and T58of each pleat 18 are axially oriented such that a leading leg L58 of apleat 18 at least partially overlaps a trailing leg T58 of an adjacentpleat 18 or a segment of the layer of resilient material 12

In one embodiment, a dressing 10 comprises a layer of resilient material12, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the layer of resilient material 12includes: (i) a first longitudinal edge (62) and a second longitudinaledge (64), which together define a width (W) of the layer of resilientmaterial 12; and (ii) a first transverse edge (66) and a secondtransverse edge (68), which together define a length (L) of the layer ofresilient material 12, the length L and width W of the layer ofresilient material 12 having a length direction (LD) and a widthdirection (WD) respectively, the length direction LD and the widthdirection WD together defining a horizontal plane (HP), the layer ofresilient material 12 having a first surface 14 and a second opposedsurface 16, a longitudinal centerline (LC), not shown, and a transversecenterline (TC), also not shown. In one embodiment, the layer ofresilient material 12, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, includes a pluralityof pleats 18 formed in at least a portion of the layer of resilientmaterial 12, each pleat 18 comprising a multiplicity of folds 20, eachfold 20 extending from the first longitudinal edge 62 to the secondlongitudinal edge 64 of the layer of resilient material 12, each pleat18 having a closed end (or an apex) 36 defined by a fold 20, an open end34 spaced from and opposite the closed end (or apex) 36, and a pair ofopposing side walls, T58 and L58 respectively. In one such embodiment,the pair of opposing side walls T58 and L58 of a pleat 18 share a commontransverse edge 70A defined by the fold 20 at the closed end (or apex)36 of the pleat 18, each of the side walls T58 and L58 extending betweenthe common transverse edge 70A and the open end 34 of the pleat 18, andwherein each of the side walls T58 and L58 further includes a secondtransverse edge 70B opposite the common transverse edge 70A and definedby a fold 20 at or proximate the open end 34 of the pleat 18. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the layer of resilient material12 includes a plurality of pleats 18, at least two of which are arrangedin a spaced relation to each other with a substantially fold-freesegment 72 of the layer of resilient material 12 extending from thesecond transverse edge 70B of the side wall L58 of one of the pleats 18to the second transverse edge 70B of the sidewall TL58 of the otherpleat 18. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, and 2A-2C, thedressing 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention further includes an additional layer of material 28 attachedto the layer of resilient material 12. Any suitable method of attachingthe additional layer of material 28 to the layer of resilient material12 may be used, including using an adhesive. The additional layer ofmaterial 28 can be in the form of a single layer or multiple layers andmay be incorporated to act as a protective backing layer for the layerof resilient material 12. When used as a backing layer, additional layerof material 28 may, in addition to the rectangular shape illustrated inFIGS. 1A, and 2A-2C, have various other shapes, including but notlimited to, circular, oval, ovoid, or oblong etc. In such an embodiment,the shape of the bandage and tape 10 may be defined by the shape ofadditional layer of material 28. In some such embodiments, additionallayer of material 28 may be thin, highly flexible or deformable,water-impervious, and clear or opaque. Generally, in some suchembodiments, the thickness of additional layer of material 28 is betweenabout 0.05 to 0.2 millimeter (“mm”) to achieve the forming and flexingcharacteristics desired.

In one embodiment, a dressing 10 comprises a layer of resilient material12, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, which includes a plurality of pleats18, at least two of which are arranged in a spaced relation to eachother with a substantially fold-free segment 72 of the layer ofresilient material 12 extending from a second transverse edge 70B of aside wall L58 of one of the pleats 18 to a second transverse edge 70B ofa sidewall TL58 of the other pleat 18. In one embodiment of the dressing10, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the substantially fold-free segment72 between a pair of neighboring pleats 18 has a surface 14A. In oneembodiment of the dressing 10, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, asubstantially fold-free segment 72 between a pleat 18 and a transverseedge (66 or 68) of the layer of resilient material 12 has a surface 14B.

In one embodiment, a dressing 10 comprises a layer of resilient material12, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, and an additional layer of material28 to which the layer of resilient material 12 is adhered at discreteadhesive regions 54, 48 a, and 48 b. In one embodiment, thesubstantially fold-free segments 72 of the layer of resilient material12, between neighboring pleats 18 and between pleats 18 and transverseedges 66 and 68, are adhesively adhered to the layer of additionalmaterial 28. Discrete adhesive regions 54, 48 a, and 48 b, spans theentire surface of a side of the substantially fold-free segments 72 (asshown in FIGS. 10A and 10B) or just a portion of the surface of a sideof the substantially fold-free segments 72 (as shown in FIGS. 11A and11B).

In one embodiment of the dressing 10, as shown in FIG. 12A, when appliedto a surface, such as a skin surface of an extended human forearm 74,each of the plurality of pleats 18 formed in the layer of resilientmaterial 12 is forced to substantially overlay the substantiallyfold-free segment 72 between it (the pleat 18) and a neighboring pleat18 or is forced to substantially overlay the substantially fold-freesegment 72 between it (the pleat 18) and a transverse edge 66 or 68 ofthe layer of resilient material 12. In one embodiment of the dressing10, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when applied to a surface of anarticulated joint, such as a skin surface of a human elbow joint 76,each of the plurality of pleats 18 formed in the layer of resilientmaterial 12 is forced to substantially overlay the substantiallyfold-free segment 72 between it (the pleat 18) and a neighboring pleat18 or between it (the pleat 18) and a transverse edge 66 or 68 of thelayer of resilient material 12 when the elbow joint 76 is extended. Inone embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A-11B, each pleat 18 has a pair ofside walls L58 and T58 arranged substantially in touching relationshipnear or at the open end 34 of the pleat 18. Similarly, as shown in FIG.12A, wherein each pleat 18 is forced to substantially overlay asubstantially fold-free segment 72 of the layer of resilient material 12as a consequence of being pressed against a surface, such as a skinsurface of an extended human forearm 74, each pair of side walls L58 andT58 of each pleat 18 is arranged substantially in touching relationshipnear or at the open end 34 of the pleat 18, thereby restricting theextent of the opening of the open end 34 of each pleat 18. In contrast,when the elbow joint 76 is flexed as in FIG. 12C, each of the pluralityof pleats 18 remains substantially in an overlapping relation with anadjacent substantially fold-free segment 72 of the layer of resilientmaterial 12, but each of the open ends 34 of the plurality of pleats 18has an opening 34′ that is greater in extent (e.g., wider apart) thanthe opening 34 of a pleat 18 in the embodiment of FIG. 12A. In oneembodiment, as in FIGS. 12C and 12D, each pair of side walls L58 and T58of each pleat 18 is spaced apart (in direction of arrows) to a greaterextend at or near the open end 34 each of pleats 18 (as compared totheir counterparts in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B)as a consequence of the additional layer of material 28 stretching toaccommodate the elbow joint 76 in a flexed configuration. Without beinglimited by theory, it is believed that the presence of pleats 18 in thelayer of resilient material 12 prevents or reduces any inhibitory orrestrictive effect that the layer of resilient material 12 might exert,without such pleats, on the extensibility of the additional layer ofmaterial 28.

\Optional Components Additional Layer of Material

In certain such embodiments, where additional layer material 28 acts asa backing layer, the material used in forming the additional layer 28should be both conformable to the contours of the body and flexible soas to permit free movement of the body part wearing the product. Incertain embodiments, it can be a woven or nonwoven fabric, a film or afoam. Polymeric materials useful in forming backing layers includepolyolefin (such as polyethylene), polyurethane, and polyvinylchloride.Other examples of backings include, but are not limited to, nonwoven,woven, or knitted fabrics such as cotton, polyester, polyurethane, rayonand the like.

Polyethylene film may be optionally used to form additional layer ofmaterial 28 where additional layer of material 28 acts as a backinglayer, and, in such instances, particularly effective results can beachieved with stretchable, elastomeric films formed of polyurethane,which has the further advantage of gas (including water vapor)transmissibility. It is to be understood, however, that, in suchinstances, other flexible, water insoluble polymeric films known in theart may be used. Furthermore, where additional layer of material 28 isused as a backing layer, additional layer of material 28 may be formedfrom closed-cell polymeric foam, particularly one with an integral skincovering the side of the closed-cell polymeric foam facing away from theskin of the user. In certain such embodiments, foam layers formed ofpolyurethane or polyethylenes are suitable, while other polymeric foamshaving similar properties may be used. In other embodiments, whereadditional layer of material 28 is used as a backing layer, additionallayer of material 28 may be made from other polyolefins, vinylpolyethylene acetate, textile non-woven fabrics, rubber, or othermaterials known in the adhesive article art. In certain embodiments,polymers used to form additional layer of material 28 where additionallayer of material 28 acts as a backing layer generally have viscosity offrom about 500 to 500,000 centipoises at temperatures of about 190° C.,or from about 1,000 to 30,000 centipoises at temperatures of about 190°C., or from about 3,000 to 15,000 centipoises at temperatures of about190° C.

In certain embodiments, where additional layer of material 28 acts as abacking layer, additional layer of material 28 may be impermeable toliquid, but permeable to gas, which allows the wound and the skin towhich the bandage and tape 10 of the present invention is adhered tobreathe. In one embodiment, where additional layer of material 28 actsas a backing layer, additional layer of material 28 may have pores ofsuch a size that will allow only the passage of gases, which havemolecules of extremely small size.

Finally, where additional layer of material 28 acts as a backing layer,additional layer of material 28 may be perforated for still furtherventilation of the skin. In certain such embodiments, perforations maybe circular in area and have a range of diameters, such as from about0.1 to about 0.8 millimeters. In certain other embodiments, however,where additional layer of material 28 acts as a backing layer,additional layer of material 28 may, when necessary, be totallyimpermeable to gases.

Adhesive

In some embodiments of the dressing 10, the layer of resilient material12 further incorporates on at least one of the first (or skin facing)and second surfaces 14 and 16, an adhesive to provide adherence of thelayer of resilient material 12 to the additional layer of material 28and to a tissue/skin surface. When incorporated onto the layer ofresilient material 12 of dressing 10, the adhesive is applied so as notrestrict or inhibit the two or more folds 20 of the one or more pleats18 from having a bias to return the length L of the layer of resilientmaterial 12, after being extended to a second length L2, from the secondlength L2 to a first length L1, which is shorter than the second lengthL2. In general, any of a variety of pressure-sensitive adhesives can beused with the layer of resilient material 12 of the dressing 10.Exemplary pressure-sensitive adhesives, include pressure-sensitiveadhesives that are biocompatible with human skin, including watersoluble and water insoluble pressure-sensitive adhesives andpressure-sensitive adhesives that are dispersible in an aqueousenvironment. Examples of commercially available dispersiblepressure-sensitive adhesive include: those sold under the trade name ofHL-9415-X (available from H.B. Fuller Company). Another suitableadhesive includes about 10-75% by weight of a polyalkyloxazolinepolymer, 10-75% by weight of a functional diluent comprising a hydroxycompound or a carboxylic acid compound, and 5-50% by weight of atackifier. Thus, suitable pressure sensitive adhesive may vary in theircompositions. Some may comprise hydrocolloids. The hydrocolloid elementused may be any substance that has a good performance in thisutilization, as for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin,xanthan gum, polysaccharides, sodium or calcium alginates, chitosan,seaweed extract (carrageenan), polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid,hyaluronic acid or salts and derivatives thereof, among others.Hydrocolloids, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin, amongothers, are agents that form gels as soon as they come into contact withbodily fluids, from wounds, for example. When used in adhesive bandages,these hydrocolloids are combined with elastomers and/or adhesives. Incertain embodiments, the layer of resilient material 12 comprising suchhydrocolloids should provide a humid environment (but withoutsaturation), which environment is a situation suitable for facilitatinghealing.

Other conventional adhesives known for such use in wound dressings maybe used with the dressing 10 of the present invention. For example,pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives, including those containing a resinfor increasing adhesion, a cohesion increasing agent, an absorptionagent (preferably a polyacrylate superabsorbent, a polyacrylate saltsuperabsorbent or a mixture thereof), and/or a plasticizer andoptionally a pigment.

When applied to the layer of resilient material 12 of the dressing 10 ofthe present invention, the pressure-sensitive adhesive may be configuredin discontinuous patterns, arranged in lines, screen, spray or any otherconfigurations within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a dressing 10 of thepresent invention, the adhesive is disposed on or contacts the secondsurface 16 of the layer of resilient material 12 in the form of one ormore discrete adhesive regions 54 at discrete areas of the layer ofresilient material 12. In one embodiment, dressing 10 further includesan additional layer of material 28, the additional layer of material 28including a first surface 30 and an opposed second surface 32, whereinthe first surface 30 of the additional layer of material 28 is adheredto the second surface 16 of the layer of resilient material 12 by theone or more discrete adhesive regions 54.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, a dressing 10 of the presentinvention includes a plurality of discrete adhesive regions 54 disposedon the first and second surfaces 14 and 16 of the layer of resilientmaterial 12 at discrete areas of the layer of resilient material 12. Inone embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8C, a dressing 10 of the presentinvention not only includes a plurality of discrete adhesive regions 54disposed on the first of the layer of resilient material 12, but alsoone or more discrete adhesive regions 48 a and 48 b disposed proximate aperiphery 44 of the layer of resilient material 12. In one embodiment,as shown in FIG. 8B, the one or more discrete adhesive regions 48 a and48 b disposed on the second surface 16 proximate a periphery 44 of thelayer of resilient material 12 such that they form a pair of opposedadhesive regions spaced apart by an adhesive free-region 50, wherein theadhesive region 48 a is located proximate the periphery 44 of the layerof resilient material 12 substantially parallel to the transversecenterline TC (not shown) and the adhesive region 48 b is also locatedat the periphery 44 of the layer of resilient material 12 butsubstantially diametrically opposite the adhesive region 48 a. In oneembodiment, the layer of resilient material 12 of the dressing 10,includes the adhesive-free region 50 extending from an inner edge 52 aof the adhesive region 48 a to an inner edge 52 b of the adhesive region48 b.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the dressing 10further includes an additional layer of material 28, the additionallayer of material 28 including a first surface 30 and an opposed secondsurface 32. In one embodiment, the additional layer of material 28 isadhered to the second surface 16 of the layer of resilient material 12illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8C at the first surface 30 of the additionallayer of material 28 by a plurality of discrete adhesive regions,reference numeral 54 in FIG. 8A and/or reference numerals 48 a and 48 bin FIG. 8A in FIGS. 8B and 8C, to produce a dressing 10 in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment,such as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a releasable release liner 56may be added to the dressing 10 in accordance with the presentinvention. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, release liner 56 is adapted tobe releasably attached to the first surface 14 of the layer of resilientmaterial 12, for example, by an adhesive. The release liner 56 can bereleasably attached to the first surface 14 of the layer of resilientmaterial 12 at continuous or discrete adhesive regions, for examplereference numerals 54, 48 a, and 48 b, disposed on the first surface 14of the layer of resilient material 12.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the dressing10 further includes an additional layer of material 28, the additionallayer of material 28 including a first surface 30 and an opposed secondsurface 32, wherein the additional layer of material 28 is adhered tothe second surface 16 of the layer of resilient material 12 at discreteadhesive regions such as identified by reference numerals 54, 48 a, and48 b in FIGS. 8B and 8C at the first surface 30 of the additional layerof material 28. When the additional layer of material 28 is adhered tothe second surface 16 of the layer of resilient material 12 illustratedeither in FIG. 8B, the first surface 30 of the additional layer ofmaterial 28 is adhered to the second surface 16 of the layer ofresilient material 12 by the adhesive regions 48 a and 48 b. When theadditional layer of material 28 is adhered to the second surface 16 ofthe layer of resilient material 12 illustrated either in FIG. 8C, thefirst surface 30 of the additional layer of material 28 is adhered tothe second surface 16 of the layer of resilient material 12 by theadhesive regions 48 a and 48 b and by the plurality of discrete adhesiveregions 54, as shown in exploded view in FIG. 2C.

Release Liner

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, the dressing 10 includes arelease liner 56, the release liner 56 being in contact with, or whichreleasably contacts, the first surface 14 of the layer of resilientmaterial 12 and/or, in releasably contacts the first surface 30 of theadditional layer of material 28. In certain embodiments, the releaseliner 56 and additional layer of material 28 are sized to extend beyondthe periphery of the layer of resilient material 12 in at least one, orin one of more directions. The release liner 56 can be releasablyattached to the first surface 14 of the layer of resilient material 12by a continuous or discrete adhesive regions disposed on the firstsurface 14 of the layer of resilient material 12. In one embodiment, therelease liner 56 includes a first surface 60 and a second surface 58,wherein the first surface 60 of the release liner 56 is releasablyadhered to the first surface 14 of the layer of resilient material 12 byan adhesive disposed on the first surface 14 of the layer of resilientmaterial 12.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a dressing 10 includes of alayer of resilient material 12 which includes a plurality of discreteadhesive regions 54 disposed on the first and second surfaces 14 and 16of the layer of resilient material 12 at discrete areas of the layer ofresilient material 12, the dressing 10 further includes an additionallayer of material 28 and a release liner 56, the additional layer ofmaterial 28 including a first surface 30 and an opposed second surface32, and the release liner 56 including a first surface 58 and a secondsurface 60, wherein the first surface 30 of the additional layer ofmaterial 28 is adhered to the second surface 16 of the layer ofresilient material 12 by the plurality of discrete adhesive regions 54,and the second surface 60 of the release liner 56 is releasably adheredto the first surface 14 of the layer of resilient material 12 by theplurality of discrete adhesive regions 54 disposed on the first surface14 of the layer of resilient material 12.

The releasable liner 56 can be comprised of any suitable material,including, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, kraft papers,polyester, polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS) orcomposites of any of these materials.

Although specific embodiments of this invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merelyillustrative of the many possible specific arrangements that can bedevised in application of the principles of the invention. Numerous andvaried other arrangements can be devised in accordance with theseprinciples by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the presentinvention should not be limited to the structures described in thisapplication, but only by the structures described by the language of theclaims and the equivalents of those structures.

Embodiments of the Present Invention

1. A dressing comprising a layer of resilient material, the layer ofresilient material having a length direction (LD) and a width direction(WD), which together define a horizontal plane (HP), the horizontalplane HP having a first surface and a second opposed surface, alongitudinal centerline (LC) and a transverse centerline (TC), the layerof resilient material further including one or more pleats formed in atleast a portion thereof, each pleat comprising two or more folds, atleast one of which folds each pleat shares in common with a neighboringpleat when there are two or more pleats, each pleat further has a lengthextending in a direction taken along the pleat length, a pleat width,and a lengthwise centerline (PC) bisecting the pleat width, wherein thedirection of each pleat length independently makes an angle with thelongitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP, and wherein theangle φ has a value that falls within a range specified by the equation:0°<φ<180°.2. The dressing of embodiment 1, wherein the lengthwise centerlines PCof a pleat is oriented substantially parallel relative to the lengthwisecenterlines PC of an adjacent pleat.3. The dressing of embodiment 1, wherein the lengthwise centerline PC ofone or more pleats is oriented at angle φ with respect to thelongitudinal centerline LC such that angle φ has a value that fallswithin a range specified by the equation: 0°<φ≤90°.4. The dressing of embodiment 1, wherein the lengthwise centerline PC ofone or more pleats is oriented at angle φ with respect to thelongitudinal centerline LC such that angle φ has a value that fallswithin a range specified by the equation: 90°<φ<180°.5. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the longitudinal centerline LC divides the width of thelayer of resilient material in two substantially equal halves.6. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the transverse centerline TC divides the length L ofthe layer of resilient material in two substantially equal halves.7. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the two or more folds in a pleat are incorporated toform an open end and a closed end.8. The dressing of embodiment 7 (or, any of the previous embodiments orcombinations thereof), wherein the open end and the closed end of apleat are spaced from one another by a pair of side walls extending fromthe closed end to the open end of the pleat and wherein the pleat isaxially oriented substantially orthogonal to the horizontal plane HP.9. The dressing of any of embodiments 1-6 or combinations thereof (or,any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof), wherein thetwo or more folds in each of the one or more pleats are arranged suchthat each pleat has an open end and a closed end spaced from the openend by a pair of side walls extending from the closed end to the openend of the pleat and wherein the pleat is axially oriented at an angle βto the horizontal plane HP, wherein the angle β has a value that fallswithin a range specified by the equation: 0°<β≤180°.10. The dressing of any of embodiments 1-6 or combinations thereof (or,any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof), wherein thetwo or more folds in each of the one or more pleats are arranged suchthat each pleat has an open end and a closed end spaced from the openend by a pair of side walls extending from the closed end to the openend of the pleat and wherein the pleat is axially oriented at an angle βto the horizontal plane HP, wherein the angle β has a value that fallswithin a range specified by the equation: 90°≤β≤180°.11. The dressing of any of embodiments 7-10 or combinations thereof (or,any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof), wherein thetwo or more pleats having their open ends facing in alternately oppositedirections with respect to the first surface and the second surface ofthe layer of resilient material.12. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein at least one of the one or more pleats has foldsincorporated so as to form a pair of adjacent closed ends, spaced apartby a substantially fold-free segment of the layer of resilient material.13. The dressing of embodiment 11 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein each of the substantially fold-freesegments of the layer of resilient material of the pleats has an innersurface and an outer surface, and wherein the substantially fold-freesegments of the layer of resilient materials of the pleats are arrangedsuch that the inner surface of a substantially fold-free segment of thelayer of resilient material of any pleat faces in a direction oppositeto the direction of an inner surface of a substantially fold-freesegment of the layer of resilient material of an adjacent pleat.14. The dressing of any of embodiments 1-9 and 11, or combinationsthereof (or, any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof),wherein the two or more folds are rounded folds.15. The dressing of any of embodiments 1-13, or combinations thereof(or, any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof), whereinthe two or more folds are creased folds.16. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the length L of the layer of resilient material isgreater than its width W.17. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the length L and the width W of the layer of resilientmaterial are substantially equal.18. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof further including an additional layer of material adhered to atleast a portion of the second surface of the layer of resilientmaterial.19. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the layer of resilient material further includes afirst transverse periphery and a second opposed transverse periphery, afirst and second discrete adhesive regions disposed on the secondsurface of the layer of resilient material respectively proximate eachof the first and second transverse peripheries of the layer of resilientmaterial, wherein the first and second discrete adhesive regions arespaced apart by a substantially adhesive free-region.20. The dressing of embodiment 19 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the first discrete adhesive region andthe second discrete adhesive region are substantially free of pleats.21. The dressing of any of embodiments 12 and 20, or combinationsthereof (or, any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof),wherein the one or more pleats are located in an adhesive-free region ofthe layer of resilient material.22. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the length L of the layer of resilient material isextendable between a first length L1 and a second length L2 longer thanthe first length L1.23. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the two or more folds of each pleat are biased toreturn the length L of the layer of resilient material, after beingextended to the second length L2, from the second length L2 to the firstlength L1.24. A dressing comprising a layer of resilient material, the layer ofresilient material having:

(a) a length direction (LD) and a width direction (WD), which togetherdefine a horizontal plane (HP), the horizontal plane HP having a firstsurface and a second opposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC) anda transverse centerline (TC);

(b) one or more pleats formed in at least a portion of the layer ofresilient material, each pleat comprising two or more folds, at leastone of which folds each pleat shares in common with a neighboring pleat,each pleat further has a pleat length extending in a pleat direction, apleat width, and a lengthwise centerline (PC) bisecting the pleat width,wherein each pleat direction of a pleat length independently makes anangle φ with the longitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP,and wherein the angle φ has a value that falls within a range specifiedby the equation: 0°<φ<180°;

(c) a plurality of discrete adhesive regions disposed on the secondsurface of the layer of resilient material at discrete areas of thelayer of resilient material; and

(d) an additional layer of material having a first surface and a secondopposed surface, the first surface of the additional layer of materialadhered to the second surface of the layer of resilient material by theplurality of discrete adhesive regions.

25. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, further including a release liner covering the first surface ofthe layer of resilient material.26. The dressing of embodiment 25 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the release liner includes a firstsurface and an opposed second surface, the second surface of the releaseliner being releasably adhered to the first surface of the layer ofresilient material.27. A dressing comprising a layer of resilient material, the layer ofresilient material having:

(i) a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, whichtogether define a width (W) of the layer of resilient material;

(ii) a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge, whichtogether define a length (L) of the layer of resilient material, thelength L and width W of the layer of resilient material 12 having alength direction (LD) and a width direction (WD) respectively, thelength direction LD and the width direction WD together defining ahorizontal plane (HP), the horizontal plane HP having a first surfaceand a second opposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC), and atransverse centerline (TC); and

(iii) a plurality of pleats formed in at least a portion of the layer ofresilient material, each pleat comprising a multiplicity of folds, eachfold extending from the first longitudinal edge to the secondlongitudinal edge, each pleat having a closed end (or an apex) 36defined by a fold, an open end spaced from and opposite the closed end(or apex), and a trailing side wall and an opposing leading side wallsharing a common transverse edge running along the fold of the closedend (the apex) of the pleat, each of the trailing and leading side wallsof the pleat further has a second transverse edge spaced from andopposite the common transverse edge and disposed on opposite sides ofthe open end of the pleat,

wherein at least two (adjacent) neighboring pleats are arranged in aspaced relation to each other with a substantially fold-free segment ofthe layer of resilient material spanning the distance from the secondtransverse edge of the leading side wall of one of the pleats to thesecond transverse edge of the trailing sidewall of the neighboringpleat.

28. The dressing of embodiment 27 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the length L of the layer of resilientmaterial is extendable between a first length L1 and a second length L2longer than the first length L1.29. The dressing of embodiment 28 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the multiplicity of folds of eachpleat are biased to return the length L of the layer of resilientmaterial, after being extended to the second length L2, from the secondlength L2 to the first length L1.30. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein any pleat is arranged in a spaced relation with aneighboring pleat such that a substantially fold-free segment of thelayer of resilient material spans the distance from the secondtransverse edge of the leading side wall of one of pleat to the secondtransverse edge of the trailing sidewall of a neighboring pleat.31. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein at least one pleat is movable between collapsed andupright configurations, where in the collapsed configuration the atleast one pleat is in an overlaying relationship with the substantiallyfold-free segment of the layer of resilient material spanning thedistance between it and its neighbor (an adjacent pleat), where in theupright configuration the at least one pleat is in a substantiallyupright orientation relative to the substantially fold-free segment ofthe layer of resilient as a consequence of being moved by theapplication of an external force to the layer of resilient material, andwherein the at least one pleat is biased to return to the collapsedconfiguration when the external force is removed.32. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the plurality of pleats are movable between collapsedand upright configurations, where:

(a) in the collapsed configuration, each of the plurality of pleats issucceeded by a neighboring pleat is in an overlaying relationship withthe substantially fold-free segment of the layer of resilient materialspanning the distance between it and the succeeding neighbor (anadjacent pleat), and

(b) in the upright configuration the plurality of pleats is in asubstantially upright orientation relative to the substantiallyfold-free segment of the layer of resilient as a consequence of beingmoved by the application of an external force to the layer of resilientmaterial, and wherein the plurality of pleats is biased to return to thecollapsed configuration when the external force is removed.

33. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein each pleat has a length, a direction, and a lengthwisecenterline (PC) extending in a pleat direction, wherein the pleatdirection makes an angle φ with the longitudinal centerline LC in thehorizontal plane HP, wherein the angle φ has a value that falls within arange specified by the equation: 0°<φ<180°.34. The dressing of embodiment 33 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the angle φ has a value that fallswithin a range specified by the equation: 0°<φ≤90°.35. The dressing of embodiment 33 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the angle φ has a value that fallswithin a range specified by the equation: 90°≤φ<180°.36. A dressing comprising a layer of resilient material, the layer ofresilient material having a length direction (LD) and a width direction(WD), which together define a horizontal plane (HP), the horizontalplane HP having a first surface and a second opposed surface, alongitudinal centerline (LC) and a transverse centerline (TC),

the layer of resilient material further including one or more pleatsformed in at least a portion thereof, each pleat comprising two or morefolds, at least one of which folds each pleat shares in common with aneighboring pleat when there are two or more pleats, each pleat furtherhas a length extending in a direction taken along the pleat length, apleat width, and a lengthwise centerline (PC) bisecting the pleat width,

each pleat includes two or more folds incorporated so as to form an openend and a closed end, with a pair of side walls of the pleat, each sidewall extending between a fold contributing to formation of the open endand the closed end, wherein one or more pleats has a pair of adjacentclosed ends, spaced apart by a substantially fold-free segment of thelayer of resilient material, and

wherein the direction of each pleat length independently makes an angleφ with the longitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP, andwherein the angle φ has a value that falls within a range specified bythe equation: 0°<φ<180°.

37. The dressing of embodiment 36 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the lengthwise centerlines PC of apleat is oriented substantially parallel relative to the lengthwisecenterlines PC of an adjacent pleat.38. The dressing of embodiment 36 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the lengthwise centerline PC of one ormore pleats is oriented at angle φ with respect to the longitudinalcenterline LC such that angle φ has a value that falls within a rangespecified by the equation: 0°<φ≤90°.39. The dressing of embodiment 36 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the lengthwise centerline PC of one ormore pleats is oriented at angle φ with respect to the longitudinalcenterline LC such that angle φ has a value that falls within a rangespecified by the equation: 90°<φ<180°.40. The dressing of any of embodiments 36-39 or combinations thereof,wherein the two or more pleats have their open ends facing inalternately opposite directions with respect to the first surface andthe second surface of the layer of resilient material.41. The dressing of any of embodiments 36-40 or combinations thereof,wherein each of the substantially fold-free segments of the layer ofresilient material has an inner surface and an outer surface, andwherein the substantially fold-free segments of the layer of resilientmaterial are arranged such that the inner surface of a substantiallyfold-free segment of the layer of resilient material of any pleat facesin a direction opposite to the direction of an inner surface of asubstantially fold-free segment of the layer of resilient material of anadjacent pleat.42. The dressing of any of embodiments 36-41, or combinations thereof,wherein the two or more folds of each pleat are creased folds.

The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinations thereof,wherein the length L of the layer of resilient material is greater thanits width W.

43. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the length L and the width W of the layer of resilientmaterial are substantially equal.44. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof further including an additional layer of material adhered to atleast a portion of the second surface of the layer of resilientmaterial.45. The dressing of any of the previous embodiments or combinationsthereof, wherein the layer of resilient material further includes afirst transverse periphery and a second opposed transverse periphery, afirst and second discrete adhesive regions disposed on the secondsurface of the layer of resilient material respectively proximate eachof the first and second transverse peripheries of the layer of resilientmaterial, wherein the first and second discrete adhesive regions arespaced apart by a substantially adhesive free-region.46. The dressing of embodiment 45 (or, any of the previous embodimentsor combinations thereof), wherein the first discrete adhesive region andthe second discrete adhesive region are substantially free of pleats.47. The dressing of any of embodiments 36-46, or combinations thereof,wherein the one or more pleats are located in an adhesive-free region ofthe layer of resilient material.48. The dressing of any of embodiments 36-47, or combinations thereof,wherein the length L of the layer of resilient material is extendablebetween a first length L1 and a second length L2 longer than the firstlength L1.49. The dressing of any embodiments 36-48, or combinations thereof,wherein the two or more folds of each pleat are biased to return thelength L of the layer of resilient material, after being extended to thesecond length L2, from the second length L2 to the first length L1.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dressing comprising a layer of resilientmaterial, the layer of resilient material having a length direction (LD)and a width direction (WD), which together define a horizontal plane(HP), the horizontal plane HP having a first surface and a secondopposed surface, a longitudinal centerline (LC) and a transversecenterline (TC), the layer of resilient material further including oneor more pleats formed in at least a portion thereof, each pleatcomprising two or more folds, at least one of which folds each pleatshares in common with a neighboring pleat when there are two or morepleats, each pleat further has a length extending in a direction takenalong the pleat length, a pleat width, and a lengthwise centerline (PC)bisecting the pleat width, each pleat includes two or more foldsincorporated so as to form an open end and a closed end, with a pair ofside walls of the pleat, each side wall extending between a foldcontributing to formation of the open end and the closed end, whereinone or more pleats has a pair of adjacent closed ends, spaced apart by asubstantially fold-free segment of the layer of resilient material, andwherein the direction of each pleat length independently makes an angleφ with the longitudinal centerline LC in the horizontal plane HP, andwherein the angle φ has a value that falls within a range specified bythe equation: 0°<φ<180°.
 2. The dressing of claim 1, wherein thelengthwise centerlines PC of a pleat is oriented substantially parallelrelative to the lengthwise centerlines PC of an adjacent pleat.
 3. Thedressing of claim 1, wherein the lengthwise centerline PC of one or morepleats is oriented at angle φ with respect to the longitudinalcenterline LC such that angle φ has a value that falls within a rangespecified by the equation: 0°<φ≤90°.
 4. The dressing of claim 1, whereinthe lengthwise centerline PC of one or more pleats is oriented at angleφ with respect to the longitudinal centerline LC such that angle φ has avalue that falls within a range specified by the equation: 90°<φ<180°.5. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the two or more pleats have theiropen ends facing in alternately opposite directions with respect to thefirst surface and the second surface of the layer of resilient material.6. The dressing of claim 1, wherein each of the substantially fold-freesegments of the layer of resilient material has an inner surface and anouter surface, and wherein the substantially fold-free segments of thelayer of resilient material are arranged such that the inner surface ofa substantially fold-free segment of the layer of resilient material ofany pleat faces in a direction opposite to the direction of an innersurface of a substantially fold-free segment of the layer of resilientmaterial of an adjacent pleat.
 7. The dressing of claim 1, orcombinations thereof, wherein the two or more folds of each pleat arecreased folds.
 8. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the length L of thelayer of resilient material is greater than its width W.
 9. The dressingof claim 1, wherein the length L and the width W of the layer ofresilient material are substantially equal.
 10. The dressing of claim 1further including an additional layer of material adhered to at least aportion of the second surface of the layer of resilient material. 11.The dressing of claim 1, wherein the layer of resilient material furtherincludes a first transverse periphery and a second opposed transverseperiphery, a first and second discrete adhesive regions disposed on thesecond surface of the layer of resilient material respectively proximateeach of the first and second transverse peripheries of the layer ofresilient material, wherein the first and second discrete adhesiveregions are spaced apart by a substantially adhesive free-region. 12.The dressing of claim 11, wherein the first discrete adhesive region andthe second discrete adhesive region are substantially free of pleats.13. The dressing of claim 11, or combinations thereof, wherein the oneor more pleats are located in an adhesive-free region of the layer ofresilient material.
 14. The dressing of claim 1, wherein the length L ofthe layer of resilient material is extendable between a first length L1and a second length L2 longer than the first length L1.
 15. The dressingof claim 1, wherein the two or more folds of each pleat are biased toreturn the length L of the layer of resilient material, after beingextended to the second length L2, from the second length L2 to the firstlength L1.